Nepal 2023 Blog

“Life Got Me Meditating Like I’m in the Himalayas” - Big Sean

By Jenna McCarthy

March 14, 2023

We woke up to the most beautiful view!

Today began at 6:30 AM. We woke up and saw the majestic snow-covered peaks of Annapurna that we were unable to see the day before due to the rain. 

Then, we rearranged our packs, filled up our water bottles with the special pumps, and drank some tea at 7:30 AM. 

Breakfast was at 8:30 AM with coffee, hard-boiled eggs, potatoes, and bread with jam. 

We began trekking with our sunscreen applied and hats, sunglasses, and bandanas on. Most of us were wearing t-shirts and shorts because the weather was nice and warm. 

It was a lot of downhill and switchbacks. We crossed a tiny bridge over a river that normally floods during monsoon season. The views were of terrace farming, carved out sides of the mountain for farmers to grow crops, with some of the snowy peaks in the background. My legs started to shake a little from all of the downhill! 

We stopped for a rest and sang Wonderwall with some Italian trekkers, and a stray dog has been following us all day. We named him Raco. 

We ate lunch: bread, potatoes, and steamed vegetable medley. We had pineapple juice which was delicious and an orange. The orange tasted very fresh despite being green on the outside. We also all filled up our water bottles again. It was cool to see a Nepali map of the area and the HOC sticker from last year’s group! #HOCON :) 

After lunch, it was more challenging. It was hotter outside and more uphill. 

Photo: Olivia Chandler ’23

We saw a donkey and some puppies. One puppy was barking very loudly at Raco and followed us for awhile. It was an extensive showing of staking his territory. Keep in mind that Raco is 5 times the size of the puppy. 

Other than this incident, I can’t believe how well-behaved the stray/farm animals are; they either don't pay attention to us or simply just look at us. For example, Raco never begs for food. He just tags along and sleeps. 

We also passed by a school today but didn’t get to see any children. :( However, we did pass by a beautifully-decorated lodge that had a lot of prayer flags hanging across it. :) The last stretch before tonight’s destination was very downhill. My knees are starting to hurt but just got out of the shower and am very grateful for the hot water in our room! 

Jenna ("And all the roads we have to walk are winding") McCarthy '23

Photo: Olivia Chandler ’23
Top Photo: Peter Huleatt ’23